We hear often about the benefits of eating healthily and ethically, but we often do not receive practical advice about how to do it. People with disposable income can afford to drop extra money on food labeled "organic" and "all natural." However, if you have a limited food budget, this is more difficult, and it is not always easy to find grass-fed beef wholesale, or organic produce that fits your financial needs.
On the surface, it does not make sense that food would cost more because it is less processed and closer to its natural state, or, in the case of meat, that it costs less if the animals are pumped full of hormones. However, when food is mass-produced, even if it is over-processed and full of chemicals, it costs the company less, and therefore they can charge less for it. Organic farmers tend to have very small businesses, and therefore they have to charge more.
Independent farmers and small companies have to charge more, because their production costs are often higher and they still need to make a profit. If you are able to pay higher costs, it is definitely worthwhile to buy from these companies. The peace of mind you gain from knowing that your food is natural and healthful I worth the extra cost.
For many people, however, this is simply not an option. When you are on a limited income, and especially if you have a family to feed, you probably have to place your budget at a higher priority than other factors. However, there may be some things you can do to stay within your budget and still eat more naturally.
One thing you can do is to choose particular items that you will only buy natural or organic. Even if you can't do that with everything, you can be picky with certain things. Meat is always a good idea, because of the hormones and antibiotics that are found in the conventional varieties, as well as the ethical issues surrounding mistreated animals. In terms of fruits and vegetables, it is safe to eat the conventional varieties of some, but not of all of them.
There is a list called "The Dirty Dozen Plus" that can help you with this. The name refers to certain fruits and veggies that are more likely to contain dangerous pesticides if they are not organically grown. These include spinach, bell peppers, nectarines, apples, celery, grapes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, potatoes and strawberries. These should be bought organic if possible.
On the other hand, it is okay to buy some conventionally grown produce. The "Clean 15" is a list of fruits and vegetables that are basically safe even when they are conventionally grown. This list includes: mushrooms, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, papayas, cantaloupe, eggplant, kiwi, mangoes, sweet peas, asparagus, avocado, cabbage, onions, pineapples, and sweet corn.
Following these lists is one way that you may be able to afford some organic foods. Another possibility is to shop at wholesale markets or co-ops, or order wholesale foods online. It is worth checking into this to see if it will save you money. Also, if you receive food stamps, you may be able to cash them in for double value coins at a farmers' market. This is definitely true in Michigan, and may be true in other states as well. Explore your options, and do the best you can!
On the surface, it does not make sense that food would cost more because it is less processed and closer to its natural state, or, in the case of meat, that it costs less if the animals are pumped full of hormones. However, when food is mass-produced, even if it is over-processed and full of chemicals, it costs the company less, and therefore they can charge less for it. Organic farmers tend to have very small businesses, and therefore they have to charge more.
Independent farmers and small companies have to charge more, because their production costs are often higher and they still need to make a profit. If you are able to pay higher costs, it is definitely worthwhile to buy from these companies. The peace of mind you gain from knowing that your food is natural and healthful I worth the extra cost.
For many people, however, this is simply not an option. When you are on a limited income, and especially if you have a family to feed, you probably have to place your budget at a higher priority than other factors. However, there may be some things you can do to stay within your budget and still eat more naturally.
One thing you can do is to choose particular items that you will only buy natural or organic. Even if you can't do that with everything, you can be picky with certain things. Meat is always a good idea, because of the hormones and antibiotics that are found in the conventional varieties, as well as the ethical issues surrounding mistreated animals. In terms of fruits and vegetables, it is safe to eat the conventional varieties of some, but not of all of them.
There is a list called "The Dirty Dozen Plus" that can help you with this. The name refers to certain fruits and veggies that are more likely to contain dangerous pesticides if they are not organically grown. These include spinach, bell peppers, nectarines, apples, celery, grapes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, potatoes and strawberries. These should be bought organic if possible.
On the other hand, it is okay to buy some conventionally grown produce. The "Clean 15" is a list of fruits and vegetables that are basically safe even when they are conventionally grown. This list includes: mushrooms, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, papayas, cantaloupe, eggplant, kiwi, mangoes, sweet peas, asparagus, avocado, cabbage, onions, pineapples, and sweet corn.
Following these lists is one way that you may be able to afford some organic foods. Another possibility is to shop at wholesale markets or co-ops, or order wholesale foods online. It is worth checking into this to see if it will save you money. Also, if you receive food stamps, you may be able to cash them in for double value coins at a farmers' market. This is definitely true in Michigan, and may be true in other states as well. Explore your options, and do the best you can!
About the Author:
You can visit www.boeckmannfamilyfarmllc.com for more helpful information about Buying Grass-Fed Beef Wholesale And Other Ways To Afford Healthier Food.
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